Campus Connection

Fifth in a series of profiles on this year’s Eagle Teaching Excellence Award winners

Six UW-La Crosse faculty members are being recognized for excellence in teaching. They are the 2017 Eagle Teaching Excellence Award winners. This year the Provost Office received approximately 800 teacher nominations from UWL students. A UWL committee selected the winners. Winners were announced at the end of spring semester and as part of spring commencement. They will be recognized among colleagues at the Chancellor’s All-University Address in fall. This year’s winners are:

• Gwen Achenreiner ~ Marketing
• Rita Chen ~ Education Studies
• Faye Ellis ~ Biology
• Gary Gilmore ~ Health Education/Health Promotion
• Brad Nichols ~ Art
• Lindsay Steiner ~ English

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of short profiles recognizing the six faculty to receive the Eagle Teaching Excellence Award.

“Brad is the most approachable teacher I have ever had at UWL. I took one of his general education art classes where he mentioned metalsmithing and recommended we check it out. I enrolled in the beginner metalsmithing class and I was soon enamored with the art form. Brad's teaching style is also why I stuck with metalsmithing. He is like a ray of sunshine with his jokes and sense of humor. He has a casual demeanor that is refreshing, and he encourages us to be creative and make cool stuff. At the same time, his extensive knowledge of all things metalwork commands respect. Brad makes the metal studio a stimulating and welcoming place to be; like a micro-community of artists. I feel so lucky to be a part of it!” -Anonymous

Brad Nichols, associate professor, Department of Art Years at UWL: 11 ½ years Teaches: I teach all levels of metalsmithing and blacksmithing, as well as foundation courses in studio arts. History: I received a Masters of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a Bachelors of Science from UWL. Prior to teaching, I was a studio artist creating one-of-a-kind objects for commission. I designed and created architectural iron work, sculpture and furniture for both private and public spaces. Favorite of teaching: My favorite part of teaching is the students. Watching them progress from hesitation to complete confidence with materials, process and concepts is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to work with our outstanding students and to be a part of their creative journey.